Tuesday, January 29, 2019

If you’re an avid iTunes user you probably really like the fact that all the media that you purchase from the iTunes Store is added automatically to its Library. That makes it easy to browse through the content that is available and find what you need.

However if you download videos from other sources or record them yourself – they won’t appear in iTunes automatically and will need to be added. That is where you may run into difficulties if your video is encoded in an unsupported format.

“What Formats Does iTunes Support?”

Unfortunately iTunes has fairly strict restrictions on the formats that it supports and that it will allow you to add to the Library. The requirements are that the video must use a MOV, MP4 or M4V container, MPEG-4 or H.264 video codec, and AAC audio codec.

Anything that does not meet those requirements will not be able to be added to iTunes. In most cases either an error will appear that tells you the format is unsupported, or it simply won’t appear in the Library even after you try to add it.

Convert to a Supported Format

The only real solution to the problem is to convert your video to a format that iTunes does support – i.e. one of the options listed above.

The good news is that is a lot easier than you might think, and there are many video converter software and online platforms that can convert the videos – especially to MP4 with H.264 as it is the most popular format right now. For example you could use Movavi Video Converter for Mac (www.movavi.com/videoconvertermac/) to convert practically any format to MP4 with H.264.

It should be noted that you can use any other formats if you prefer, but MP4 with H.264 is the most versatile format that iTunes supports.

Import the Video to iTunes

After the video has been converted into a format that iTunes support, you can try to add it to the iTunes Library.

That just takes a few simple steps:

Launch iTunes.

Open the ‘File’ menu.

Click on the ‘Add to Library’ option.

Select the video and click ‘Open’.

If you want the video to automatically be stored in the default iTunes media folder after it has been added, you should check the ‘Copy files to the iTunes media folder when adding to library’ option. It is located in the iTunes Preferences, under the ‘Advanced’ tab.

Once you have imported the video, you can check that it is listed in the Movies section. If it is then you’ve been successful, but if it is not then there may be an issue with the format still.

Final Words

Aside from converting videos to an iTunes-friendly format, there is simply no other way to add unsupported video formats to iTunes. In fact your options are pretty slim if you don’t want to convert the video, and you may have to use a different media player instead.

On the bright side it really isn’t that difficult to convert videos into iTunes-friendly formats – even if the original video is in a fairly obscure format.

Monday, April 24, 2017

Apple’s AR Smart Glasses

Apple could be working on some undisclosed hardware comprising of a pair of AR smart glasses. It has been revealed after an incident report had been apparently leaked to Gizmodo signifying that the company had been playing with some kind of ocular prototype.

Gizmodo, the Apple document stated it acquired an incident wherein an employee had reported eye pain on using a new prototype. Gizmodo had reported that the employee was of the belief that the pain could be the outcome of using the device together with the testimony that the seal of the device had been broken, an indication that it had been tampered.

Though apparently the incident report tends to utilise language with the intention of concealing what type of prototype it is, Gizmodo wonders that it could be some kind of smart glasses. Another incident indicated that an employee had been sent to the optometrist after working with another prototype and thereafter experienced eye pain and saw `laser flashes’. Since the wording seems vague, it is not known if the two prototypes had any link or what they were meant to do.

Bringing AR to iPhone

Apple had already shown concern in augmented reality or AR. Tim Cook, CEO had mentioned that he envisages a big future for AR which would impact the world as much as the smartphone that Apple had supported to propagate with the iPhone.

Cook had constantly responded to AR-related queries on quarterly earning calls stating that he is of the belief that the technology seems to have more potential than its virtual reality counterpart and had implied at plans of Apple of entering the space.

Nonetheless, as of September, Apple tends to continue hiring both AR as well as VR professionals which has left the possibility that it could develop products in both the classifications. Some rumours have already claimed that Apple could be working on means of bringing AR to the iPhone, while still others state that Apple is working on a pair of wearable glasses alike to Google Glass.

But many are speculating whether the glasses by Apple could succeed where Google Glass fell short. The company has been exploring the smart glasses market according to reports and hence it is not clear when the completed product would materialize.

Earliest Time-Frame - 2018

The earliest time-frame is said to be 2018 for the product though Apple could delay the project much longer or alter its direction as in the case of its automotive goals. It is also a known fact for months that Apple had been gathering AR talent and putting heads together in working in secret on some kind of consumer product.

Apple has already been in talks with prospective suppliers, as per Bloomberg for components such as near-eye displays. Moreover it also tends to have the capability with companies such as PrimeSense, Metaio and Flyby which are the start-ups that had been dedicated to AR software, 3D mapping together with computer vision before Apple had attained them over the period of the last three years.

The intention was to create a pair of glasses which could be linked wirelessly to iPhone as well as overlap information on the field of vision of the wearer. The AR does not come without its flaws. Google Glass had been a huge failure providing AR a bad public image thus displaying just how far the technology should go before it can be eventually utilised on the face.

Monday, March 27, 2017

The world depends heavily on technologies now a days. With the innovation, we have dealt and experienced the impossible ones. We are defined by the choices we make and the profession that we would like to pursue. Sometimes, we often hear about the college drop outs who then later went to become the game changer of the world. Well, many of us might not be aware of Allen Liao but his skills and ideas brought a great change in the digital market and technological world.

THE START-UP

Allen was about to replace his friend’s expensive eye wear when he came out with an idea to replace the glass. So he created a solution – unlosable glasses. To create the history they required almost more than two years to design the tiny electronics embedded with new software and also sophisticated manufacturing process. His company had the support from the high tech leaders which made him go forth with his idea. It is quite remarkable to note the number of investors which included the former employees of Apple, WordPress founders and many more. Allen was not afraid to take the deal which got him the success he wanted. The list of investors was quite impressive and fascinating as almost the big companies started investing for him and his unique product and solution. The investors just used to send a normal email and that was enough to reach him.

THE GLASS

The product is often considered to be complicated as the process of manufacturing this product is not that easy but the concept is easy to understand. A Bluetooth device is embedded inside the glass which is known as the Bluetooth beacon which sends out the signals to connect with the Tzukuri App. If the glasses are left behind, then you would be notified with the latest GPS location in your Tzukuri App. The interesting part is that if you have lost your glasses or you are looking for it, the algorithms developed within this embedded glass will tell you the distance that you are away from it. The glass was made stylish keeping in interests of the digital market. The batteries that are used in this glass are special Silver Zinc Oxide cells which keep the charge for a month after a complete charge of the battery. This is indeed fascinating and useful.

THE FUTURE

The glass is well developed with the embedded technology. This will be change over for the tech savvy guys. This will set a benchmark for all the market leaders in the tech market well. A unique property for this product is that it is heat resistant. The great part is that already he has received orders worth more than 50000$. But you need to come and visit his store to try out the gadget as you can’t do this online. So brace up and experience the change in the future with the new glass. Thanks to Allen who have been set this mark in a young age of just 23.

Monday, March 20, 2017

In the contemporary world, where the science and technology have seen a massive growth, which helps the society to have some of the most important articles and services to make the life more easier. The electronic devices are nowadays the most important parts of our daily life and people are quite obsessive about this equipment and their well-beings.

These days, there are some issues; so far the technology is concerned, which need to be addressed with special care and attention to get the best feedback from the same. Nowadays, we can find that there are rampant uses of such devices or equipment, such as; laptop, smartphones, fitness machines etc., which are all having some security provisions to deter the harmful intruders. In these cases, special measures are being taken to get the best possible safety coverage and the respective manufacturers proudly claim the benefits of these measures.

Very recently, researchers have proved that this security base of some of the “secured” devices can be broken by using a remote device and through sending some commands, which is considered as a great threat for these kinds of equipment. An amazing security loophole has been located, through that someone can add some of the most horrifying steps to any Fitbit monitor. Although it can be sighted as a very small and negligible issue; but according to researchers, it is the sign that broader risks will be there, if this issue has not been addressed with extreme care and sincerity.

Some Notable Revelations

Most of us have seen a television ad, where an opera singer broke the glass with her pitched sound wave, which reminds us the splitting power of the sound. A group of researchers, involved in the security of the computer, from the University of Michigan, have demonstrated the vulnerability, which allows them to control or surreptitiously influence some of the devices through a small accelerometer; a standard element in any computer, smartphone or fitness monitor and most importantly in the automobile.

In this case, the sound wave sent from the remote device can spell out specific words and can intrude into the targeted device; not only being able to shut down it but by entering commands, which can be described as a musical virus or such kind of a thing. The researchers have tested almost 20 different kinds of chips, prepared by 5 different chip manufacturers and found that this security challenge is more vulnerable in nature for any digital appliances, available in the society.

Conclusion

There are lots of companies, who are involved in the manufacturing of trucks and cars of self-driving nature and unaware of the vulnerabilities, unknowingly allowing an attacker, which is capable of attacking the vehicles by remotely controlled means, with unnerving possibilities. At the same time, it can be noted that the problem is not so grave like "sky is falling", at this moment, rather it can be considered as an eye opener or revealing window for the cyber security concepts and applications, which challenges the complex security systems, having possibility of interactions of digital and analog components.

Wednesday, March 8, 2017

Well, science and technology has moulded our lives and given a new shape in this digital world. Innovation and discovery going hand in have led to the most astonishing products and made our dreams come true. Without technology, we are like nowhere. There is always a healthy competition between the top companies to ace the market. Well, ever since Steve Jobs led Apple has come into the market, they had reached a new height and now the legacy is continued by Tim Cook. Each year apple comes with iPhones especially in the end of September. There has always been curiosity and some speculations about the features of the upcoming about how it will change the market and put an impact in the tech market.

FEATURES

Well, the latest report about the upcoming iPhones is that there would be a 3-D selfie camera. To be more specific, it would be able to amp your face. It will involve both the process of authentication and augmented reality which the new iPhone will be having. The camera would also come handy when you want to check the distance of any object which is quite far away from the lens. If this feature comes into market, then it would only another feather into the cap.

THE COMPETITION

It already uses the technology to organise the photos based on the subjects that gets recognised in the images. To compete with the other stalwart companies like the Microsoft and Samsung which uses facial recognition to unlock the phone, Apple is also trying to bring something new. Well, apple promises to clear the bug or the faults that the users had in facial recognition with HP or other companies. The report states that the Apple has planned to use a depth sensing camera to remove the technical issues as well as other problems.

THE RESULT

The report says that the readings would be more accurate and the users won’t be having any sort of problem using this technology. Day in and day out, we are trying our best to match up to the latest technology and this will increase the desire to experience more. With the help of visual sensors, the make up or any sort of trick can be identified in the upcoming Apple iPhone. It can recognise the dark skin tones as well. The major concern would be the privacy. The technology would map your face but the major concern lies how the identification data would be used. People are still unaware of how Apple would solve this problem and it is a big curiosity among the multitude also.

RAISING EYEBROWS

The matter which would raise the eyebrows of the people is whether the privacy would be maintained by the company or not. And also whether the recognition can be disabled by the user or not. So for the confirmation, we just need to sit back and wait till the actuals beans are spilled. But one thing is pretty sure, that the people will enjoy a new experience from this.

Wednesday, February 22, 2017

Nowadays, almost 90 % of the world’s population uses smartphone and there dilemma lies in the fact that which company offers the best smart phone of all times without leading to any malfunctioning. The answer to the most talked about question is right here, as Apple on its 10th anniversary is about to launch the ultimate Smartphone of the era with the price accounting $ 1000 which in Indian Currency is almost equal to Rs 67,025. We know the whole wide variety of iPhones that Apple has launched with the most enticing features of all times that is way better than any other smartphone available in the market. But, the problem lies with its price and because of the hike in range many cannot afford to buy this gadget.

Fast Company resources have confirmed that the top-notch models of smartphones launched by Apple is more likely to have a price exceeding $ 969. We know that this is the price that Apple charges from its customers for a 256 GB supportive iPhone 7 plus in United States. The company has given ample reason to support such a hike in the range of iPhones. They say that they are charging so much only in respect to the top-notch services they guarantee to their customers.

Such news is reported that theiPhone 8– or iPhone X will have a OLED display of 5.8 inches with spectacular high-definition quality design. These two iPhones will look like monolith that will be absolutely smooth and shiny black. It will also be very sleek to look at. Apple have said that the OLED display used in iPhone 8 and iPhone X is double the price of the general LCD display used in iPhones 7 and iPhones 7 plus.

Apple is bent on increasing the production of OLED for iPhones 8 earlier before the launch of the product in September. Other than this there is another one reason behind such a rise in price as the company have assured that iPhones 8 and X will guarantee you more memory backup than iPhones 7 and iPhones 7 Plus. So, we can find that Apple has justified the point behind charging such high price till date from its customers.

The iPhone 8 and X is also supposed to feature a dual camera similar to iPhone 7. It will also feature higher battery backup, but the exact size of the model is still not disclosed. Further, the buttons related to the functioning of volume and power is likely to be replaced by the inlays present in the model by a sensitive touch.

The update in terms of the front design has also been revealed that instead of aluminum steel frame both the front and the back lining frame will be replaced by glass bodies similar to the design of iPhone 4s. It is also expected that the revenue of iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus might increase by the newest launch of iPhone 8.

Tuesday, January 10, 2017

The gadgets extravaganza is back at Las Vegas with Consumer Electronic Show of 2017 (CES 2017) wherein as usual new TVS and other home appliances will make it way along with the newly crafted segment for the automotive technology based vehicles. Here is the quick breakdown of the upcoming segments from which we will see new gadgets being launched over the few days.

Televisions

Televisions are an integral and classical spectacle of the CES 2017. Like last year we will get to see the launch of 4K and HDR devices but this time the price will be significantly lower. However the TV manufacturers are finding it hard to sell the televisions therefore they are actively trying to sell content or Ultra HD capability on their devices. The major players like LG, Samsung, Panasonic and Sony has opted for massive booth to showcase their might with their wider range of advanced displays.

Self Driving Cars: The New Entrant

CES 2017 has been jokingly referred as Car Electronics Show as a large number of automobile manufacturers have made their way in Las Vegas to showcase their self driving cars. In just a couple of years self driving technology has made huge advancement which is set to brings futuristic world right at door step wherein people can ride in the autonomous vehicles.

VR Headsets

Last year’s CES brought the VR into the play which left everyone amazed with its limited yet mesmerizing capabilities. This year will bring weirder and more capable VR headsets which are expected to blur the line between reality and virtual reality to a great extent. Facebook was first to make headline with its amazing Oculus line of VR headset way back in 2013 but this year it keeping a relatively low profile which has opened up the space for others. Microsoft, HTC, Google and some other little known manufacturers has already launched their VR headset during 2016 and they are expected make comeback with next version of their devices.

Drone

This year’s CES 2017 is set to bring new generation of drones which are much weirder and wild than ever before. Currently the market leader us DJI which has no competitors near it to give it a stiff challenge. Drones will come in all shapes, sizes and with varying capabilities. A number of drones have been optimized for the indoor flying as a number of regulations has made it tougher to market and sell outdoor drones. Some will feature functionality to be used in the high-speed racing while some can even possess underwater diving capabilities.

Wireless Audio

Apple created a sensation last year during its launch event by launching it won unique wireless headphone but the wait for this exquisite offering has been prolonged as Apple failed to release device during Christmas holidays. A large number of headphone and audio device makers are making their way at CES 2017 to reveal their upcoming wireless audio devices in the wake of capturing the market. Since Apple has done away with 3.5 mm jack audio device manufacturers are showing an elevated interest in the wireless devices.

Sunday, January 1, 2017

A large number of users wishes their Smartphone possess the wireless charging functionality so they don’t have look for power outlets and charges all the time. But wireless charging is in a very few number of flagship devices which are hugely expensive at the moment. Sadly Apple devices misses on the wireless charging support as well and hopefully we will see this feature in next year’s Apple range of devices. An innovative startup from France named Energysquare has come up with a universal solution to bring wireless charging to all the Smartphone and other handheld devices in a unique fashion. It has created a new kind of technology which brings wireless charging support to almost any kind of device.

Kickstarter campaign will turn into reality

Energysquared has campaigned heavily on the crowd-funding site Kicjstarter last May to give a push to its new technology based product. It has promised to start manufacturing and shipping of the product in the early 2017 if it meets its funding target. Energysquare innovative product caught the fancy of millions of users worldwide and it has able to collect more that the target amount. Staying true to its promise it will showcase its revolutionary product at the CES trade show in Las Vegas.

It offers comes in two parts which includes a charging pad and few stickers which has to be placed on the back of the device. This sticker comes with two tiny metal dots which are essentially electrodes. Stickers comes with a Micro-USB, USB Type C or Lightning connector which plugged right in the device’s charging port. Once users has put sticker on the phone then it has to be placed on the charging pad and charge will initiate within a second.

What sets Energy Square apart from others?

The wireless charging found on the most of the high end devices relies on the use of electromagnetic induction. On other hand Energysquare offering work a newly developed technology which extensively relies on the electric conduction. Reliance on this technology allows it to charge multiple devices in a single go at such speeds which can be easily compared with the normal charge.

The basic problem or rather downside associated with it is that its stickers cover up the charging of the device. This is seen as a calculated move by the developers which help in abstaining users from charging normally as well as wireless at the same time. Therefore users will have to remove the sticker of they wish their devices normally through a charger. Energysquare has stated that it is aware of this problem and it will remedy it in the second generation of stickers which are expected to possess a port right on the backside.

When it comes to price this wireless charging strip will only cost $89 wherein users will get a charging pad along with five stickers. Given the price one would get to charge at least five devices simultaneously regardless of the fact where they have inbuilt wireless charging support or not.

Saturday, December 10, 2016

Apple’s iPhone in Red

According to media report it has been rumoured that the Apple’s iPhone would appear in `Red’ and would retain the same design as the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus. Together with its usual 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch smartphones, the company would also be launching a third model which would be priced on the higher side than the iPhone 7.

According to the reports of appleinsider.com, it would also sport a 5.1-inch or 5.2-inch OLED display with invisible home button with all-glass housing and wireless charging and will rather see an improvement in hardware which is a new more powerful A11 chipset. The said new chip would be introduced together with the new Red colour choice.

The company is likely to adhere to `s year’ for its line-up for 2017. Possibly named the iPhone 7s and iPhone 7s Plus, the handset would be retaining the unchanged aluminium design, together with a faster A11 chip and the anticipated iPhone 8 model will be having an OLED display.

Merged by Foxconn-owned Sharp by 2018, Samsung and LG are said to the primary OLED suppliers of Apple. In a news report, Japanese Apple rumour blog Macotakara indicated that the successor to the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus would now be in an all new colour.

Red iPhone – Next Sensation

The site also informed that Apple would be adding a red casing colour together with the prevailing ones of Black, Jet Black, Silver, Gold and Rose Gold choices. The line-up of flagship phones of Apple usually tends to play it safe with white, blacks and mellow metallic.

Though a red iPhone flagship would be making a big change, as informed by Japanese Apple blog Macotakara, the 2017’s 10th anniversary iPhone would be iPhone 7s and would be the convention for odd-numbered years of Apple. The Jet Black iPhone 7 colour choices had made great waves and had become quite popular.

The demand for Jet Black iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus had been quite high wherein Apple had faced shortage together with delay in shipment since they were unable to meet up with the demand. It is said that each time Apple tends to introduce a new choice in colour, it increases its demand and the latest upgrade seems to be the most wanted product.

The Rose Gold iPhone and Jet Black iPhone had met with the same response and the supposed red iPhone 7s reported to debut in 2017 could be the next sensation.

Red – Charitable Organization – Bono

Offering a red iPhone, according to CNET would be bringing the colourful option of the iPhone 5c to the forthcoming year’s iPhone, reflecting the commitment of Apple to Red, the charitable organization of Bono which tends to assist in providing HIV/AIDS medication.

The collaboration of Apple with `Red’ had earlier led to many red products. It seems that the iPhone 7s and iPhone 7s Plus could be another incremental improvements with enhanced specs though nothing over the top. However the third 2017 iPhone 8 would be delivering the renovation.Apple on its part had refrained from confirming the report.

Thursday, December 1, 2016

5G Network – Quicker Connection/Increased Bandwidth

Owing to new data rich maps by Ordnance Survey, the next generation smartphone can evade signal drop-outs. The detailed 3D models comprises of buildings, proposed constructions, trees, hills together with weather cycles most of which can impede with 5G signals. Researchers would be capable of testing towers in several locations and immediately check on their performances.

One analyst had mentioned that the tool would be helpful for networks in providing improved coverage. The next generation 5G networks tend to provide quicker connections together with increased bandwidth for video streaming events. However, according to Ordnance Survey, the higher frequency signals tend to have a shorter range than the prevailing 3G and 4G signals and seem to be more vulnerable to interference from raindrops as well as leaves.

The planning tool would be utilising mapping data and high resolution aerial images of Ordnance Survey to produce its 3D models while the weather data would be provided by the Met Office.Analyst at CCS Insight, Ben Wood has commented that the character of 5G means the location of cell towers is more sensitive and it would be very significantto understand fully the topography of each area.

Useful Tool for Companies

He further added that the better the tools networks help site cell towers precisely, the more likely would they get high quality coverage from the start. 5G comprises of higher frequency signals which in spite of providing the larger bandwidth to support Internet of Thing application, tends to operate over shorter ranges than 3G and 4G.

It could be hindered by various construction materials or heavy rain and it needs more equipment together with careful positioning in order to make it a strong network. Ordnance Survey has stated that its maps have been so detailed that they also include vegetation cycles in determining how trees could affect 5G coverage at different seasons.

Some areas of Bournemouth have been modelled already utilising the experimental tool that Ordnance Survey expect to be rolled across the UK. Mr Wood has stated that it would be a useful tool for companies deploying 5G networks though there would be no alternative in spending the money to install a lot of cell sites.

Smart Map for Smart Future

Though the next-generation 5G network would be providing the consumers with quicker connectors together with growing bandwidth for video streaming, Ordnance Survey state that upward magnitude signal tend to have a shorter operation than stream 3G and 4G signals.

Andrew Loveless, commercial director of Ordnance Survey termed the tool as a smart map for a smart future. He further added that the purpose was to deploy 5G rapidly and efficiently and linking OS data to spectrum information together with meteorological data would be delivering quicker speeds together with improved coverage to connected devices while at the same help in keeping roll out cost to the minimum.

Ordnance Survey stated that the data visualisation tool would make it possible for network planners to be aware of most of the relevant points remotely. The Met Office would be contributing high resolution weather conditions resulting from weather satellite as well as radar data to evaluate the effects on signal transmission.

Saturday, November 5, 2016

The mobile phone giant, Apple, is recognized as the most versatile mobile phone manufacturing company in the world and has been patronized by billion of users, across the world. The Newer concept, design, technology, look are some of the fascinating issues, which made this company the most popular and the front runner in this segment of business.

Since the inception, Apple, under the guidance and leadership of Steve Jobs and even after his sad demise; the company is having the most inspiring growth rate, which is really an issue of great value. Apple was trying since 2013 to develop a foldable mobile phone device, which could be the breakthrough in the entire mobile segment and helpful for the company to gain a formidable market share.

Now after three years, the company is awarded a new patent, which confirms the rumor about the company of development of foldable mobile phone, a reality now. Although, company, like Samsung, is also trying to develop such a device for past few years, but till date, they are not been able to get the breakthrough.

The Breakthrough

It can be noted that the filing was done, for the patent, on August 28, 2016, but the award is been given only now. Though the rumors were there in the market for the last few years that some of the leading manufacturers, including Apple and Samsung, are trying to develop the foldable mobile phone and a tough fight was going on amongst these developers to get the feat of the pioneer in this unique segment.

It can also be noted in this regard; Samsung has developed the foldable mobile phone as concept phones but didn’t go for the commercial production and not tried to sell the same in the market, therefore, Apple could be the first organization, who will produce and sell the foldable devices. Some of the characteristics of this foldable mobile phone of the Apple, which are mentioned in the patent, are as follows:

The most interesting part of the foldable iPhone is the precise description of materials, those are being used in the future manufacturing; glass, fibre, ceramic, plastic or aluminum, which are the premium in nature and not very different from the ongoing trend of the manufacturing process.

So far the technology is concerned; the Conductive Carbon Nanotube conduits will form the signal paths, which are flexible in nature and able to provide adequate resistance to cracking of the devices. The use of this Carbon Nanotubes can be incorporated into the signal tubes, such as:

Circuit cables with flexible printing;

Circuit boards with rigid printing;

In Printed circuits; include the rigid portions with the flexible tails, which also referred to as the “rigid Flex”;

Portions of the display structures, in general;

Portions of the touch sensors, for instance; arrays of capacitive touch sensor for the displays or track pads;

Tuesday, November 1, 2016

Apples’ Three iPad Pro Options

Apple is said to end the year with its restored MacBook Pro 2016 line that will probably kick off with the iPad Pro in 2017. But many have been speculating on how many tablets the Cupertino Company would be releasing. According to recent reports there would be three iPad Pro options that would be coming up.

According to a report from Mac Otakara, they would comprise of the 7.9-inch iPad Pro Mini, a 10.1-inch alternate, the largest of the collection and the 12.9-inch. The iPad Mini Pro or iPad Mini 5 would probably come with the lowest specs which includes an A9X chip supported by 3 GB RAM and 32 to 256 GB of internal storage.

Besides this it would also have an 8MP main camera together with a front facing camera of 1.2 MP. With regards to batteries there are numerous reports stating that its power could rely on the complete design. If it tends to be much thinner, the battery could be lower than the earlier 5,140 mAh battery utilised on iPad 4 as claimed by Mac World UK.

The next in line, the 10.1-inch iPad Pro would have a score up as a likely A10x chip with some minor (to none) repetition in cameras and RAM. The largest batch is said to be anticipated in aiming at commercial together with educational usage.

iPads Much Thinner

Slash Gear has reported, taking into consideration the trend linked with the removal of the 3.5 mm (headphone) jack, that it would yet be around for the iPad Pro alternatives in 2017.This is irrespective of the prospects that Apple would be pushing its new AirPods which would be utilised wirelessly – Bluetooth.

For Apple, 2017 would be a big year as they kick the year off with their new line of product on tablets. With regards to pricing, nothing has been revealed though the line would be out by spring time. The 10.1-inch iPad Pro as well as the 12.9-inch iPad Pro 2 would come with the same features with the exception of the main chipset.

The two iPad options with larger possibility would probably turn to an A10x chip together with more features. All the three iPads are expected to be much thinner bringing up the state of the 3.5 mm jack.The supposed iPad Air 3 would come with more choices of colours comprising of Rose Gold, the usual white together with a Black option.

Economical Gadget

The Cupertino based tech firm intends to debut an improved option for their tablets with regards to pricing taking into consideration the need to kick-start the sales of the tablets which had been withering away over the past few years.

Though it had not been confirmed officially, as per a report by Reporter Times it is said that the device would be revealed as an economical gadget in the range of £300 to £400. It would be put on the market at around £400 if it is released this year.

The price is anticipated to be reduced if it is released in 2017. Apple seems to be tight lipped regarding the rumours and has neither denied nor confirmed them. Readers have been advised to take this unconfirmed information with a grain of salt.

Friday, October 28, 2016

The sophisticated technology of recognizing speeches has turned out to be one of the most popular innovations. From individuals to organizations, this technology may play a significant role. So, recently, Microsoft has brought good news for those, who want to make use of this latest technology. The newly developed speech recognition system of Microsoft is highly competent to recognize any human speech just as we do.

This new Microsoft software may transcribe or record any conversation in the most accurate way. In addition to it, the interesting feature of the software is that it tracks the conversations, and at the same time, it puts all words in the right framework. Thus, perfect transcriptions are possible with the help of this software.

The error rates of the software-

The research professionals of Microsoft have really made introduced the best features in the software. However, one thing to be noted in case of Microsoft’s voice recognition system is that it is not completely perfect. There are some possibilities of mishearing words. The rate of speech error in the task of transcribing any conversation is about 5.9 %. This percentage may be compared to a proficient transcriptionist’s error level. One of the major members of Microsoft’s team, Xuedong Huang has announced this unique fact about the software. This is truly a significant achievement of the company. Microsoft’s scientists have also declared that they are first to allow a computer in recognizing voice, like a human being.

An incredible invention of the researchers-

The vice president of the Research department, Harry Shum has also expressed their views that few years ago, they had not believed about the possibility of such accomplishment. The result of all efforts has been realized after carrying out a thorough research on the voice recognition for several years. In the past decades, when the researchers of Microsoft were making considerable struggles for developing an improved software system, many technology-related agencies had co-operated in their pursuit. After working on the technology for about 20 years, the success has been achieved ultimately.

In the previous years, the other technologies, like Siri (Apple) and cognitive computing tool (IBM) have been considered as the most resourceful ones. And now, the speech recognition program proves its effectiveness and potentials. In fact, Microsoft may also utilize this tool to improve the abilities of Xbox system of gaming.

Various techniques applied to make the system-

The group of researchers has tried out different approaches in order to have progress. One of the major aspects is that they have used neural system, in which the various details have been applied. Different words have been exposed as the vectors consistently. They have been positioned together for instructing the PC to know the patterns, seen in true human voice. In fact, Computational Network Toolkit is the major system, which has been used for reaching the goals. After using it, the experts have also attempted to improve the function in practical settings, such as, noisy background.

In this ways, Microsoft’s researchers have created the latest software, and they expect that in future the system may also give individual names and identities to the speakers.

Saturday, October 15, 2016

Computing industry is going through rapid phase of development and revolution wherein computing ability is being improved by thirty percent with each passing decade. But the major problem faced by the computing industry is ‘memory’ expansion which has caused a huge strain on the semiconductor segment. DRAM happens to be driving relatively each and every segment of the computing based market which comprises of not just the Smartphone, personal computers, laptops and supercomputers but also the memory device segment.

Over the past few years memory devices have gained transaction and popularity among the consumers which had turned them into a dominant force which is actively giving stiff competition to the traditional computing market. A new computing industry consortium has come into being with prominent partners across the industry and this consortium has been dubbed as Gen-Z. Gen-Z aim is to develop a new memory interface which can help in tying various components together in a single entity for better profit and value to the end users.

Problems to solve for Gen-Z

Currently it is not possible to scale up the DRAM performance without resulting into unwanted issues later on. The major reason for this problem is associated to the theory that the amount of bandwidth which is made available to each core of the DRAM usually decreases which limits the performance of the DRAM. Even choosing different robust component will not help in stooping the subsequent decrease in the amount of bandwidth available to each core which simply goes down.

Gen-Z brings an elegant solution to this problem

Instead of spending time towards increasing the fundamental functional limit of the DRAM; Gen-Z wishes to increase the performance level of the next generation memory solution which can easily tap into emerging new kind of memory. Currently we measure the type of storage into HDD and SSD but in upcoming future with Gen-Z progression we will have High-Bandwidth Memory (HMB), Managed DRAM and Hybrid Memory Cube (HMC) ready for active adoption.

Gen-Z will not just empower the progression in the field of memory storage for computing purposes but it will create a memory semantic fabric possessing to ability to handle communication at the sub-microsecond latencies.

Gen-Z future prospects and goals

As stated earlier Gen Z aims towards creating an attached ecosystem for wide variety of computing products into a single open standard which will possess the ability to support sub-100ns load-to-use capability. Gen-Z gets backing from the prominent players in the tech industry which includes Dell, AMD, Braodcom, Samsung, HP, ARM, Micron and others. So far Intel has stayed away from Gen-Z and it is not a good sign for the success of this venture as Intel

commands a whopping 98% of the server and enterprise markets. Therefore it is necessary that Intel plays a active role in this venture which will enable Gen-Z to create new memory standards that can be compatible with the modern computing needs. Furthermore Cisco has remained aloof from the Gen-Z but it will not thwart the ambitious attempts of this venture.

Wednesday, September 7, 2016

The Biggest Event of Apple

The biggest event of the year of Apple is finally here. The new iPhones of Apple named the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus will be launched today and Apple will be hosting a special event at the Bill Graham auditorium in San Francisco. The event will be live-streamed on its website. For Indian fans, the time will be 10.30 pm. Users have an option of adding it to your iCalendar directly from the Apple event website. In San Francisco on September 7, Apple would be revealing the new iPhone just in time for the holiday season. Rumours before the event indicate that the new phones would not have an essential design and the iPhone 7 may be totally water-resistant. The next generation iPhone 7 is said to be designed without a headphone jack and would be provided with headphone which will be wireless or plugged directly into the Lightning port. You could watch the event live –

The event is said to be scheduled at 10 am Pacific time, 1 pm Eastern time, 5 pm London time and 1 am Hong Kong time

Apple would be streaming the event with a link.

The details of Apple’s live stream can be viewed through a dedicated channel on the Apple TV set top box or on its Safari browser on iOS devices which run on iOS 7 or later and Mac running OS X 10.8.5 or later. The event would also be streamed to second as well as third generation Apple TV devices. In order to watch on a PC, users need to utilise the Microsoft Edge browser from a mechanism running Windows 10.

The stream is not always reliable

Quartz would be covering the entire event as it takes place. Matt Quinn, tech editor would be reporting on the ground. Users could check for live blog which can be done by tuning into The live blog for the detailed updates, commentary together with images directly from the venue.

Improve Image Quality/Low-Light Performance

The iPhone of Apple, could be a meek update with improved battery, an enhanced Touch ID button together with a simple antenna and a faster processor to be packed in the iPhone design while the iPhone 7 Plus could also get a dual-lens camera. The later upgrade may improve the image quality and low-light performance while the two lenses would also enable the smartphone to utilise the visual depth information for various innovative photographic actions.

The iPhone 7 is predicted to have one less than interesting tweak and the same may be the first smartphone of Apple to ditch the traditional headphone jack. However, the more concern for the possible iPhone 7 users is the early word on the iPhone 8. The next generation smartphone is doubtful of being mentioned at the event though rumours regarding its flashy upgrades appear over its unreleased forerunner.

According to some reports, the Apple Watch is also expected to get some upgrades and would be having built-in GPS and hence it will be capable of tracking runs together with other activities accurately when it is not connected to an iPhone. This would enable more sophistication location based apps. Moreover, Apple also intends to improve the inadequate computing power of the watch which means that the entire user experience would be getting sharper.

Friday, August 12, 2016

MacBook Pro Laptop – Thinner/Touch Screen Strip/Powerful/Efficient

According to some source, Apple is organizing its first significant overhaul of its MacBook Pro laptop line in over four years and will be utilising one of its older products in helping to reverse two quarters of sliding sales. The latest notebooks would be thinner, comprising of a touch screen strip for function keys and would be provided with more powerful as well as efficient graphics processors for expert users like video gamers, as per unnamed source.

The updated computers is said to be in advanced testing since early this year within Apple, as reported by some source who did not wish to be identified discussing the product before its release. As per some source, the MacBook Pros are not likely to be unveiled at an event which has been scheduled for September 7 to introduce the next-generation versions of the iPhone.

Spokesman Bill Evans of Apple refrained from commenting. Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple signalled the tablets as probable laptop replacements by stating the iPad as a `post-PC’ device when it had been launched in 2010 though products such as the MacBook Pro had portrayed amazing flexibility. The sales of Macs inclusive of Pro line had ascended by 6% to $25.5 billion in the last fiscal year, while iPad sales fell 23% to $23.2 billion.

Organic Light-Emitting Diodes

MacBook Pro’s overhaul this year is targeted at increasing notebook sales at a time when consumers seem to be taking longer in buying or replacing iPads. Apple research has advised customers to upgrade iPad approximately every three years, while purchasing new iPhones every 18 to 24 months as per source familiar with the strategy of Apple.

This helps in understanding why iPad sales had tumbled from a peak in 2013. The most noteworthy addition to the latest MacBook Pro is a secondary display directly above the keyboard which tends to replace the standard function key row. As an alternative to physical key, a strip-like screen would be functioning on an as-needed basis which seems to fit the present job or use.

The smaller display would be utilising Organic Light-Emitting Diodes, which is thinner, lighter with a sharper screen technology, as per Ming-Chi Kuo, analyst of KGI Securities who mentioned it earlier this year. The objective of Apple with regards to the dedicated function display is to simplify keyboard shortcuts which is usually utilised by experienced users.

Casing – Shallower Curves Around Edges

The panel is said to theoretically portray media playback controls when iTunes is open though it would be displaying editing commands such as cut and paste during word processing work, according to some source. Moreover the display would also permit Apple to add new buttons through software updates instead of, through more costly slower hardware recharges.

The new top-of-the-line MacBook Pros would be slightly thinner than the prevailing models though are not narrow like the MacBook Air and modern 12-inch MacBook, according to sources. The fresh MacBook Pros have a smaller footprint than the present models and the casing tends to have shallower curves around the edges.

The source had also informed that the pressure-sensitive trackpad also seemed to be slightly wider. The new design would comprise of USB-C technology, a multifunctional kind of port which can manage charging, data transfers and display connectivity. Apple is also considering gray, gold and silver colours to its new line of product like the other products such as iPhone, iPad and the 12-inch MacBook. I

t is not known whether the coloured Pro laptops would be made available when the new line would be released.

Monday, July 18, 2016

Apple’s Powerful New Siri Proficiency

Apple recently announced a powerful new Siri proficiency, single sign-on for Apple TV as well as several more great latest features for users, enhancing the experience of entertainment in the living room. With the extended proficiencies of Siri, inclusive of searching across more app, YouTube search, and topic search as well as tuning right into more live channels, consumers tend to get to their favourite content much quicker.

The yet to come of the TV is apps and with single sign-on, customers could authenticate all the video channels for their pay-TV providers by signing only once in order to enjoy the benefit of their network TV apps. Apple’s senior vice president of Internet Software and Services, Eddy Cue stated that `the future of TV is apps and Siri on Apple TV has changed the way we interact with our television and these long-drawn-out features will continue to deliver viewers what they want to watch even faster.

There are more than 6,000 apps to be enjoyed on your Apple TV including over 1,300 video channels, which are even more fun to watch with the new Siri features united with single sign-on’. Siri has become more powerful since the launch of Apple TV, presently searching over 650,000 TV events and movies. Siri is made available to more countries with expanded abilities

Some Features & Functions

Some of the features and functions are:

Topic search for movies – Having the skill of asking Siri for a movie by topic or theme, user has many options of locating the films they prefer to watch like `Show movies about baseball, Find documentaries regarding cars, etc.

YouTube search – Later in the month user can ask Siri to search YouTube for instance `Search YouTube for attractive wrestler videos’.

Live tune-in – You could ask Siri to go directly to a live channel within a supported app like `Watch CBS News or Watch ESPN’

Achieve HomeKit accessories– Apple TV provides users’ control of HomeKit enabled accessories so that you can ask Siri to `turn on the lights’ or `set the temperature to 70 degrees. Apple TV also enables users to control KomeKit accessories when they tend to be away from home or utilise it for home computerization together with the Home app on their iOS device.

Simplified Way of Enjoying Pay-TV Video

Customers in the US, for the first time have a simplified way of enjoying pay-TV video channels by utilising single sign-on and beginning this fall, they will only have to sign in, once on Apple TV for the facility of immediate access to their favourite video channels which are included as part of their subscription for pay-TV. When the user tends to sign into a network app, any other app on Apple TV from participating pay-TV provider will inevitably log the user in all the other supported app needing verification.

During the process of the single sign-on, customers can view a page of all the verified apps which a pay-TV provider offers to determine, download easily and enjoy their favourite video channels. Any of the network-TV app could have the benefit of this technology enabling single sign-on, simplifying the process for their audiences. Single sign-on would be made available on Apple TV as well as iOS.

Friday, July 15, 2016

Biggest iOS Release - iOS Beta Version

A beta version of Apple’s latest mobile and desktop software, iOS 10 and macOS Sierra has been released by the company. Promoted by the company as `the biggest iOS release ever’, the latest software is said to be intended for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch featuring a revamped lock screen inclusive of the removal of `swipe to unlock’, customisable widgets as well as lively add-ons to iMessage.Though Apple is likely to release the update together with the iPhone 7, users could download the early version of the software using their Apple ID.

The company has been motivating users of beta to report on any bugs or errors they may come across in the iOS, which is not the confirmed version and would be updated all through the testing period before its general release. In order to download the software, the user is required to sign up to the Beta Software Program of Apple utilising the Apple ID.

When the user has signed up they can register the device they would like to upgrade to iOS 10 or macOS Sierra to be able to download the same. Apple has recommended consumers to backup any device they may be utilising for the beta and emphases that since the software is in its testing stage, it may feature malfunctions and viruses.

Altered the Way Users Open their Phones

You can back up the device in Settings by using iCloud or by connecting it to a computer. For those having over one Apple device, the iPhone maker states that it is better to download the beta on a secondary one and once the backup of the device is done, if you would like to update, it can be done by going to Settings > General > Software Update.

The iOS 10 is said to be the most essential change that Apple has released for the software in a few years. To be precise, it has altered the way users tend to open their phones. Picking up a device which runs iOS 10 mechanically lights up the screen showing notifications, weather information, calendar appointments and news updates.

From there, the `swipe to unlock’ feature has been removed by Apple which has been a basic since the first iPhone, the pressing of the home button was the only function needed to unlock the phone. Other useful alteration comprise of customisable widgets, the capability of deleting default apps and voicemail transcription.

Modification in Mac OS Sierra – Assimilation with Sri

To the developers, iMessage has also been opened who can now develop apps within it, which means that users can now order food, send money or shop within messages. The biggest modification in macOS Sierra is the assimilation with Siri that also tends to work now with third party apps.

Siri has got a huge makeover and is much smarter which includes writing your messages, performing image searches as well as transcribing voicemails. Apple Music has brought back useful iTunes features, comprising of the `Recently Added and Recently Played’, segments.

It has also included statistics in Browse and For You, which has daily playlists, top charts as well as radio, somewhat like Spotify Discover Moreover the computer software also comprises of updates to the Photos app, tabs for every app and Apple Music.

Friday, July 1, 2016

Apple’s Smarter Siri/Message App

At WWDC in San Francisco, Apple released a smarter Siri together with a Message app to take on Facebook Message and Snapchat’s filters in the wrap of latest features shown recently. Tom Cook CEO of Apple had started the WWDC keynote with a tribute to the victims of the Orlando shooting before beginning a list of the new software features which users would see later in the year. Apple launched the latest iOS 10; MacOS and an upgraded Siri at the event together with latest versions of Watch OS and tvOS.

As expected, Siri seemed to be among the highlights with Apple introducing it up for third party app developers. Siri would also be available on macOS with the Sierra update. Apple supporters expecting new hardware were dissatisfied though there were main changes to the operating systems for Macintosh computers, iPhone, iPad, Apple TV and Apple Watch.

Cook had calculated up the significance of the development community to Apple. There were now two million apps in the App Store that have been downloaded around 130 times with US$50 billion which had been paid to the developers. Apple Watch app would eventually be more usable with new control centre, which will make it easy to switch between apps as well as a new way of opening app seven times quicker.

Siri Added to Mac – First Time

Apple’s voice-based virtual assistant, Siri, was added to the Mac for the first time with the ability to pay utilising Apple Pay. Option to use the payment facility would be appearing on the websites together with confirmation requests sent to a user’s phone wherein they could use their fingerprint to permit them.Mac users would be able to utilise their Apple Watch in unlocking a Mac when they tend to be in close proximity of their laptop.

Between Apple devices like iPhone’s Touch ID, there will be better incorporation for the purpose of online purchases with your Mac computer and copy and pasting from one device of Apple to another. Together with the software changes, Apple had also mentioned a free app in order to encourage children in learning programming. He had stated that they believe that technology should lift humanity.

Information regarding improvements on how the app seems to run on Apple Watch was also acknowledged by the audience of developers at WWDC in San Francisco with the potential of Apple Watch OS3 making apps to open faster by seven times.

New SOS Feature in Watch

One of the main figures behind Apple Watch, Kevin Lynch had announced a new SOS feature in the watch that tends to call an emergency number, sending a text message with the location to the emergency contacts, automatically. In order to activate the emergency call, you could hit and hold the button towards the side of the Watch.

Other developments to the operating system of the Watch comprise of a new control centre, a much simpler way of responding to text messages together with new Watch faces. The capability of swiping between open apps in the way identical to using apps on the iPhone seems to be the major modification to the Watch.

The fitness section of the Watch also tends to get a renovation under the latest operating system wherein you can compete with family and friends on number of steps taken, minutes of exercises and calories burnt. A new fitness app known as Breathe has been designed to encourage people to lessen stress by regular sessions of deep breathing. The latest version of Watch OS is said to be released in spring.

Monday, June 27, 2016

iScout Head-Up-Displays for Safe Driving

Having no standouts on the markets, Heads-Up Displays – HUDs for cars did not catch up and a new competitor, iScoutis making attempts in addressing several of these issues. iScout is a patent that is pending HUD which develops all information needed for driving like fuel level, car speed, GPS navigation as a floating virtual image before the vehicle. It syncs to the smartphone displaying incoming calls, reminders, messages, social media content together with notifications and several other features like blind-spot view accompanied with an integrated dashcam.

It shows notifications from apps such as WhatsApp, rejects or takes call with a hand-wave and tends to have blind-spot cameras. The purpose of HUD is to make driving much safer wherein the driver will not have the need to take his eyes off the road for any information needed while driving. Recent study indicates that it takes less time for the driver to get this information from a HUD as against looking at a conservative display – phone screen/GPS device, as it takes substantially lesser time for the eye to move the focus from the road to the display and back. This warrants that the attention of the driver is on the road and hence tends to lessen the accident risks.

Photochromic Display Works in Day/Night Conditions

It is launching on Kickstarter and may never be shipped. With this bit of doubt out of the way, the company tends to have a solid-looking sample together with plenty of good features. The `photochromic display works in both day and night conditions and seems to have its own app and GPS to display heads-up route direction. Moreover the device also tends to connects to the smartphone over Bluetooth, enabling the user to accept or reject calls by waving your hand, for instance while keeping the GPS on the screen.

The user can also compose text through voice dictation and view notifications from apps like WhatsApp and Twitter or even control music from Spotify etc. Since iScout has the capability of connecting with the OBD plug of the vehicle, you could also view information such as fuel level, speed and maintenance problems. Should you be running short of gas, it could indicate an alert, guiding you to the nearest service station.

Premium Model – Blind Spot Cameras

Premium model tend to have blind spot cameras which activates automatically when turn signals are used helping to keep the eyes on the road. With regards to the camera, the device has a forward looking dashcam in the event of any accidents. The product is being marketing by the company as a safety device. However, receiving notifications on the device could be as distracting as checking the same on the phones. According to the company, it’s about as safety-friendly as one is going to get in a connect car.

The display for instance `is focused into the distance and shown just below your line of sight, which means that it will need very little of your attention to check your GPS, speed together with the other information compared to in-car on-dash devices. The iScout is on pre-order for basic edition, starting at $269 and $299 for premium model with blind spot cameras.